Show your Kids a Sunrise!

Did you know that there’s a list of the best places in each state to watch the sunrise? I didn’t either, but I did know there are places around the country where people congregate to see a new morning come into view.

One of those places is Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. We were at Acadia this week and so, it seemed, was everyone else. The roads and viewing areas were crowded with so many cars, I felt like I was on a Chicago expressway during rush hour. So we decided NOT to go up the mountain at sunrise, since our hotel room looked out on the Atlantic. So at six o’clock a.m. (Wednesday), I got up to see the sun make an appearance. I ended up going to the hotel’s back deck where several others had gathered (and took many pictures including the one above).

And that got me thinking about sunrises and watching them with our kids … or do we take sunrises for granted or maybe complain about the morning sun being in our eyes (which I agree, can sometimes be dangerous when we’re driving).

I decided to do a word search and found three aspects of the sunrise mentioned in God’s Word.

A sunrise shows evidence of God’s design. The sun rises and the sun sets, day after day, because that is the way God designed the world – so that we would have day and night and light and darkness … as the earth orbits the sun. The sun rises, and the sun goes down,and hastensto the place where it rises (Ecclesiastes 1:4-5)

A sunrise shows evidence of God’s authority. The rising sun is also an indication of God’s authority. Only God can command the Son. Who commands the sun, and it does not rise;who seals up the stars. (Job 9:7)

A sunrise is a cause for praise.From the rising of the sun to its setting,the name of the Lord is to be praised! (Psalm 113:3)

Sunrises are an opportunity for us to talk to our kids about the design and authority of God and to thank and praise Him for His awesome creation.

But has your child seen a sunrise?

Why not plan an early morning adventure? Make this be a special event so you can wake even your most dedicated sleepy head.

Choose a day that promises to be mostly sunny. (A few clouds can make a sunrise even more amazing.)

Choose a location that has a clear view to the horizon – fields and bodies of water work well. If you live in the mountains, go to the highest location where you have a clear view of the eastern sky. Or if you live in the city, go to a high building or vantage point. You can also watch from inside if there is a large window (but it’s more fun outside.)

Take a picnic breakfast. Pack donuts, muffins or other treats your kids enjoy. (Is there a park with an outdoor cooking area where you could grill bacon and eggs?) Don’t forget a thermos of juice or hot chocolate. Or go out for breakfast after watching the sunset.

Encourage the kids to take photos or videos. Maybe your child will capture (on video) the sun actually rising above the horizon!

Talk about the sunrise showing the design and power of God. Pray together, praising God for His creation.